Need Product Advise

jthomas · Post by **jthomas** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:08 am

Need product advise.
I am purchasing purchasing a CPAP machine on my own (without ins.) due to a change in jobs.
I was prescribed 6CM H20 w/ a Heated Humidifier.
My doctor would prefer me use a local CPAP provider due to service and support, but the difference in price is amazing.
Am I getting over my head thinking I can do this on my own?
I am looking at 2 different products and hoped someone
could provide insight on which might be a better product than the other. The 2 machines I am looking at are the GoodKnight 420G w/HH and the Remstar Plus C-Flex w/HH.
The next question, are either of these machines easier than the other to change air pressure without having to purchase the manual machine?
Thank you in advance!!!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:29 am

jthomas,

No need to buy from a local DME... especially if you are paying out-of-pocket. You will not get better customer service than from cpap.com. The local DMEs are not answering their phones until 10pm and on Saturdays. The also don't have a forum like this one to get feedback from thousands of other actual users. Also, If you buy online, you will get the manual that shows you how to operate your machine.

One suggestion, considering you don't have insurance, is to look at an auto adjusting cpap like the PB 420E or the REMstar Auto. These machine may help you avoid needing another sleep study should your prescribed pressure is inaccurate or your needs change. They cost a few hundred dollars more, but will save you money compared to the cost of a sleep study.

That being said, either of the machines you suggest are very good and would serve you well.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:44 am

My first answer is: "Yes, you can do this on your own".

My question is: "Do you want to monitor your own therapy with software?"
If you do, then you'll need to look at different machines.
I do know that the REMstar Plus won't capture your sleep data and I don't think the 420G will either.
The 420S and the REMstar Pro 2 have optional software that will allow you to monitor your sleep statistics.
If you don't care about monitoring your therapy, then both machines you have listed will probably do just fine.
If you purchase from CPAP.COM, you will get the clinical setup manual for whichever machine you buy.

Best wishes,

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:48 am

I second the recommendation of https://www.cpap.com. I've had good luck with them in purchasing equipment. They can also advise you (to a limited degree) on equipment options. They are probably a better bet for support than your local DME.

If you can manage it, I would suggest an auto CPAP (APAP) with optional software, so that you can download the data to your computer and see how you do--a mini sleep study each night. (You should also get a matching humidifier, unless you're sure you don't need it--most do.) I use the GoodKnight 420E. Like all auto CPAPs, it can also be set to act as a straight CPAP. Resmed and Respironics also make good auto CPAPs with available (optional) software.

Make sure the place you buy from will supply you with the clinician manual, in addition to the user manual.

Pagarc · Post by **Pagarc** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:28 am

If your purchasing your CPAP out of pocket go to cpap.com and save over DME supplier. Your need your dr. prescription to order though.Don't do what I did and lease/rent from DME at 3x time cost online.

All the info about using your cpap can be found here and cpap.com.

FYI - I'm using a Remstar Pro2 with C-flex and ComfortSelect mask, which is a great combo. Also, make sure you get a humidifier.

Good luck!

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:43 am

When I last visited my sleep doc I told him I bought a new machine online. His very first question was, "Who will fix it if it breaks?".

I told him that cpap.com will fix it and/or service it and that the local DME NEVER ONCE did ANYTHING to the first cpap machine I had after they brought it to my house. Not once in 5 years. Not after I called them and told them it was making noise and not starting correctly. In other words... after 5 years they had gotten all they were going to get from the insurance company (WAY too much!) and didn't give a rat's a** about me.

I spoke to about 5 different people at cpap.com before I made my purchase PLUS spoke to their sister company billmyinsurance.com (which didn't end up working out for me, but they were EXTREMELY helpful and honest).

I will never again deal with a DME. I'm a cpap.com believer. They actually CARE about you.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:12 am

Yardbird wrote:His very first question was, "Who will fix it if it breaks?".

Yeah, I got that goofy logic from the local DMEs and various others around here, too, when discussing prices. (I can't remember having this discussion with my sleep doc, though.)
My response was "For that kind of money (the local DMEs are charging), I can afford to buy a second (or even a third) machine for backup."

To be fair, though......I THINK the local DMEs in this area (from what I've gathered) do a pretty fair job of customer support......I just couldn't swallow tha price they wanted to charge me (for older, lesser equipment).
Becky at CPAP.COM steered me in the right direction on my machine since I wanted recording capabilities and software to monitor my therapy (I had already decided on the mask I wanted).

CPAP.COM is GREAT!!!

Den

Brent Hutto · Post by **Brent Hutto** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:22 am

While I too believe that

CPAP.COM is GREAT!!!

I must say that the one local DME provider I've done business with has been exemplary. Prompt scheduling, plenty of time for showing me how to setup, use and maintain the machine and mask and they've been great about helping me work through my mask-fitting problems. There are also a couple dozen DME pretenders in my area who will happily rip you off (or so says my sleep doctor).

If for some reason you decide to work with a local DME outfit, do not accept half-baked "service" and hassles. Make it clear what you need and expect and if they're not prepared to offer actual service then walk out and find someone who is worth a darn. They make a very good profit margin on this stuff and if you're not getting service for your money then don't give them the money, it's that simple.